| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth ... |
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... and an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to an operating table. |
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Your doctor will scrub thoroughly and will apply an antiseptic solution to the skin around the area where the incision will be made. |
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Then, the doctor will place a sterile drape or towels around the operative site |
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and will inject a local anesthetic. This will sting a bit, but your breast will quickly begin to feel numb. Usually, the surgeon will inject more than one spot - in order to make sure that the entire area is thoroughly numb. |
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After allowing a few minutes for the anesthetic to take effect, the surgeon will make a small incision. |
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Once the incision has been made, your doctor will begin looking for the lump that is to be removed. |
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You will feel some pressure or even slight tugging or pulling - but you should not feel any sharp pain. If you do begin to feel pain, you should tell the doctor and you will be given more anesthetic. |
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Once the lump is removed, the doctor will close the skin over the incision as neatly and as cosmetically as they are able. |
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Finally, a sterile dressing is applied. |
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Your specimen will be sent immediately to a lab for microscopic analysis. Your doctor will tell you when to expect result from those tests. |
